such an odd summer. So dry outside, after the Winter of 8-foot Drifts (no kidding, I have the pics to prove it!). I find myself full of gratitude, these days. The simple pleasures. Even just breathing out and breathing in. (Why do I hear Maurice Chevalier when I say that?) It may continue to be a very tough summer. But we don't have to be reactive. By staying grounded in our own places, doing our own thing(s), we can increase the stability around us. Be well, breathe deep.

Take a deep breath, people. No, deeper than that. Aaaaaand - release.We're in for a very bumpy ride. The catastrophe in the Gulf of Mexico is only the beginning. The dominoes are beginning to fall. Those of you who follow this blog know I strive to be positive. Not dorky-smilyface-it'sFine! positive, but a grateful approach to the daily world. My attitude doesn't cut into this. Think butterknife on a squash. No dent at all.This is not about the personal, either. This is global. So in light of this (and mutterings of doom are everywhere these days, aren't they?), what can you do for yourself?If you have a creative practice, spend as much time as possible doing it. Music, art, theatre, dancing. It's your throughline in difficult times.Eat as well as you can. Exercise. Meditate. Do your best to take good care of your physical, emotional, spiritual, and intellectual selves.Look for small opportunities to do good. Open the door. Smile and say hi to the checker. Pick something off the floor for someone who dropped it. All those small acts which feel like too much, sometimes, but which add up.If you can, look for larger opportunities, too. It's better for you if you can actually do something rather than write a check. But! Write that check, if that's your life right now. Be where you are. Love the people you love. Hold hands. Send cards. Talk to Mom (or Dad, or annoying Auntie Whomever). For those of you who pray, pray. Don't ask for anything: just be with Her/Him/Them/It. Let's encourage each other through this.

My father died.I'm handling all the fallout: paperwork, bills, the will, etc. Which is why you haven't seen me in a while.I'm returning to regular blogging as of this post. I am not sure what "regular" will be yet. You can expect, this week, a schedule, and a blog about my beliefs: nothing like death to bring one back to basics.Be well!

I've been following my father's declining health from afar for much of 2010 (which is why I've been so absent from this home of mine), and I'm leaving to go see him and deal with medical and legal details tomorrow.

I hope to be back to regular blogging soon.

May blessings continue to be yours!

Duffi

Please contribute to Haitian relief at www.hopeforhaitinow.org. $53M US so far and still counting. Our neighbors need us.